Many occultists state every color "vibrates" with its own magic and has a specific effect on individuals and the universe.
The symbolism and associations of colors varies from culture to culture and individual to individual. I've discussed
colors elsewhere on "Yet Another Wicca Site" and "The Goddess Aradia and Other Subjects."

This particular list is taken from Carolyn Morrow Long, Spiritual Merchants: Religion
Magic & Commerce, 2001. I've included this list because, according to Long,
it represents an early set of color correspondences.

In 21st century hoodoo candlework, numerous different colors of candles are used. Candles
are now available in red,
pink,
orange, yellow,
green, blue, white,
purple, brown,
and black. See 21st century list below.

I've been able to find very little information on the development of colored candles.
Yet, apparently, candle dye for coloring wax was not widely used in candle manufacturing
until the 19th century. Prior to that, candles would simply have been whatever color the
material was they were made of.

My guess is that, as different colored candles became readily available, practitioners
incorporated them into their spiritual and magical practices as they thought appropriate.

In 1935, Zora Neal Hurston published in her Mules and Men this list of the meanings for candle colors.

It is certain that by the 1940's mmany
African-Americans were incorporating
sundry colored candles into their spiritual and magical practice to draw luck, love, and money and for
protection from evil, etc.

As an example of color association in the late 20th century, this list is from one of
Anna Riva's books, printed in 1980. Riva wrote, "There are currently available over 200 books
on the subject of color--from such diverse points as to how color can affect moods, beauty,
emotions, creativity, health, and sales." Anna Riva, Candle Burning Magic: A Spellbook of
Rituals for Good and Evil, 1980 (p. 6).

The following is a 21st century list of colors used in hoodoo candlework, which is
similar to the list of color correspondences assembled by Gamachi as well as others.
The magical symbolism associated with the candle colors shows an influence from European
magical traditions as well as early 20th century color symbolism.

Gamachi also listed
Double Action candles, which are candles with two different colors, one atop of the other. Double Action
candles magically combine the correspondences of both colors.

A number of traditional work root practitioners do not bother with this color system of
symbolic correspondences. When they do use candles, they use white.

The symbolism involving different colored candles has also affected use of colors in
other components of hoodoo magic.

According to Catherine Yronwode, many Southern hoodoo mojo bags were originally made of
red flannel--probably because they had a lot of red flannel scraps. Eventually,
some practitioners began using different colors of flannel, relating to the bag's
specific purpose. For example, green cloth would be used to make a "money mojo."

Doubtless, other hoodoo practitioners may use color in an unrelated manner to the
21st century list. The Roman Catholic church first employed naturally colored beeswax candles
(which are often a pale, honey-colored yellow). A few practitioners prefer pale, yellow beeswax candles
for spiritual devotions.

The Gullah people of the Sea Islands use the color blue as a protective color. Their windowsills were painted
blue to keep out malevolent spirits. Yet, I haven't read anything about the Gullah using colored candles.

Over time, different color candles have become associated with the magical use of
Psalms. The addition of using colored candles with the Psalms is apparently an example of
"reinforcement." Two separate blessings/charms/prayers are used together to "reinforce"
and enhance the effectiveness of the outcome. In this case, the candle color system is
a later practice added onto an earlier traditional hoodoo practice involving the Psalms.

The following table has a collection of examples of specific colors of
candles associated with the recitation of the Psalms for certain purposes.

Examples of Uses of Colored Candles with the Psalms

Color

Psalm

Purpose

blue

Psalm 3

Healing Severe Headache or Backache

green

Psalm 4

Bringing Good Luck

green

Psalm 4

Needing Financial or Real Capital for One's Business

purple

Psalm 5

Favorable Outcome for Dealing with the Government
and Bureaucratic Authorities

brown

Psalm 5

Successful Court Case Outcome

blue

Psalm 6

Healing Eyes

purple

Psalm 7

Breaking a Hex

blue

Psalm 9

Remedy for a Sick Child

purple

Psalm 9

Against the Power and Malignity of Enemies

purple

Psalm 11 and 12

Protection from Oppression and Persecution

pink

Psalm 14

Gain Trust and Favor

purple

Psalm 14

Protection from Corrupt Fools

purple

Psalm 17

Protection During Travel

purple

Psalm 22

Protection from Storms and the Elements

purple

Pslam 22

Repeling Terrestrial Danger

white

Psalm 23

Blessings and Beneficent Work

blue

Psalm 23

Divination and Dreams

green

Psalm 26

Employment

purple

Psalm 29

Empowering Through the Word

purple

Psalm 29

Overcoming Troublesome Spirits

purple

Psalm 30

Safety from Evil

red

Psalm 40

Make Good Wishes Come True

blue

Psalm 42

Recieving Instruction in Dreams

red or pink

Psalm 45

Bring Love and Passion

red or pink

Psalm 45

Restore Love, Romance, and Peace Between a Husband and Wife

white

Psalm 51

Cleansing and Purifying

purple

Psalm 52

Freeing One's Self from Slander

green

Psalm 61

Blessing When Moving to a New Home

green

Psalm 64

Healthful Sea Voyage

green

Psalm 65

Blessings and Luck in New Endeavors

green

Psalm 72

Gain Prosperity and Happiness With Others

pink

Psalm 85

Restoring Peace Between Two Friends

purple

Psalm 90

overcoming wild animals

purple

Psalm 90

protection in one's dwelling

purple or brown>

Psalm 90

overcoming evil influences

purple

Psalm 94

Triumph in Legal Court Cases

purple or red

Psalm 100

Overcome All Enemies

purple

Psalm 101

Learning to Break Bad Habits and Behave Wisely

red or blue

Psalm 102

Against a Grievous Affliction

red

Psalm 103

Healing and Renewal

purple

Psalm 111

Charming and Lovable

purple

Psalm 112

Increase in Might and Power

blue

Psalm 112:13

Develop Self Tranquillity and Harmony

green

Psalm 114

Drawing Success in Business

green

Psalm 114

Attracting Luck While Gambling

purple

Psalm 116

Protection from Violent or Sudden Death

purple

Palm 116:16-17

Safety from Imprisonment

blue or green

Psalm 119

Help in Speaking with Someone About a Financial Dispute

purple

Psalm 121

Safe Travel After Dark

purple

Psalm 126

Protection for Newborns

purple

Psalm 127

Protect Children

purple

Psalm 129

Empowerment Against Oppression

blue

Psalm 142

Relieving Pain in the Legs, Thighs, and Hips

blue

Psalm 146

Curing a Wound or Wounds Requiring Surgery

white

Psalm 150

Praise and Thanksgiving

red

Psalm 150

Turning Sadness into Glee

Some hoodoo practice also involves "spiritwork." Certain spirits, angels, saints, etc.
traditionally have certain colors associated with them. These traditional associations
may be completely different than the 21st century hoodoo color association. For
example, St. Expedite is associated with the color red and red candles are frequently
burned to petition and honor this saint. This use of red probably relates more to the
color of the saint's cloak or the fact that red is frequently associated with fast
action.

It is important to remember not all hoodoo practitioners use the 21st century list
of colors, and those who do may only use it in relation to the color of candles. Some
do not concern themselves with matching the color of the candle to mojo bags, beads,
altar cloths, clothing, etc.